“Better version of Haaland” – Tottenham fan favourite chooses player head of Manchester City star

Sporting CP welcome Manchester City in the Champions League this evening, with multiple narratives surrounding the match.

The main one is Rúben Amorim coming up against Pep Guardiola. Sporting’s manager is set to take charge at Manchester United in the coming days, and had previously been linked with a move to their city rivals.

Sporting playing Manchester City just before Amorim’s switch to Manchester United is put into action is one of those quirks of fate which football hands out occasionally.

Tottenham Hotspur fan-favourite Rafael van der Vaart has picked up on another narrative which hangs over the match… comparisons between Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyökeres. 

Van der Vaart played for Tottenham between 2010 and 2012 and although it was a short stint following his move from Real Madrid, he managed to make himself popular among the Spurs fanbase.

The Dutchman moved to Hamburg after his Tottenham exit, and following his retirement from playing he’s become a vocal member of the pundit circuit in the Netherlands.

Ahead of the match between Sporting and Manchester City, Dutch website FC Update quote Van der Vaart as saying: “It sounds a bit crazy, but I think he’s a bit of a better version of Haaland.

“Haaland is of course incredible, but Gyökeres has a bit more, or something.”

Another Dutch legend, Marco van Basten, added: “He’s a real footballer, I think. A real footballing striker. Strong, scores easily and is calm in front of goal. He is also able to pass the keeper, I think he’s a really good striker. I can enjoy him.”

Erling Haaland has scored 14 goals from 14 matches so far this season, whilst Viktor Gyökeres has 20 from 16.